Broome CM. Complement-directed therapy for cold agglutinin disease: sutimlimab.
Expert Rev Hematol 2023. [PMID:
37256550 DOI:
10.1080/17474086.2023.2218611]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare subtype of autoimmune hemolytic anemia defined as a distinct, low-grade lymphoproliferative disorder and characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies that recognize the "I" antigen on red blood cell membranes. Hemolysis in CAD is mediated by activation of the classical complement pathway by IgM-antigen complexes. Sutimlimab directly targets classical complement pathway activation and has been shown to be generally well tolerated with rapid and sustained effects on hemoglobin levels, hemolytic markers, and fatigue in patients with CAD.
AREAS COVERED
This review will outline the drug profile of sutimlimab and summarize the key efficacy and safety data focusing on the Phase 3 studies that formed the basis of the approval of sutimlimab in patients with CAD in the US, EU, and Japan.
EXPERT OPINION
Sutimlimab provides patients with an approved therapeutic option that can be used as part of an holistic approach to CAD management. The beneficial effects of sutimlimab go beyond rapid inhibition of hemolysis and include sustained meaningful improvements in fatigue and quality-of-life measures. Further real-world evidence of the effectiveness and safety of sutimlimab in CAD and cold agglutinin syndrome will be assessed via the CADENCE registry.
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